FY 2017 Open Enrollment of the Guam WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) would like to announce the FY 2017 open enrollment of the Guam WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). If you are a certified Guam Farmer with the Department of Agriculture and grow vegetables and fruits you are encouraged to pick up an application and information packet from January 23, 2017 to February 23, 2017 at the DPHSS, Guam WIC Program Administration Office located at 15-6100, Mariner Avenue, Barrigada (Tiyan) from Monday through Friday at 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed on GovGuam holidays.

The Guam WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides fresh, nutritious, unprepared foods (fruits and vegetables) from FMNP authorized farmers’ markets or road-side stands to women, infants, and children who are participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The Guam WIC FMNP also promotes awareness and use of our Guam local farmers’ markets and stands, respectively.

For any questions or more information, please contact the Division of Public Health, Bureau of Nutrition Services, Guam WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. The contact persons are Ms. Renee J. Camacho-Taitague, FMNP Coordinator at 475-0292 or Mr. David Gumataotao, FMNP Manager at 475-0300.

The Department of Public Health and Social Services STD/HIV Program, in partnership with WestCare Pacific Islands (WCPI), Guam’s Alternative Lifestyle Association (GALA), the Gingerbread Project and the Guam HIV Planning Group (HPG), is pleased to announce the observance of World AIDS Day on December 1, 2016.World AIDS Day is celebrated annually on December 1 and throughout the month of December to raise awareness about the global impact of HIV/AIDS and to recommit ourselves toward achieving an AIDS-free generation. The 2016 Guam theme for World AIDS Day is “Remember. Hope. Act.” and demonstrates the urgent need of action today in order for us to achieve an AIDS-free generation in the future.

Globally, there are approximately 36.7 million people living with HIV. In the United States, there are approximately 1.2 million Americans living with HIV, and almost 1 in 8 are unaware of their infection; an estimated 50,000 new HIV infections occur each year in the United States. In Guam, there have been 261 cases of HIV infection reported since 1985, and there are approximately 76 people known to be living with HIV.

To show support and raise awareness: 1) Wear a red ribbon; 2) Light a candle; 3) Say a prayer for those who have passed on; and 4) Know your status by taking an HIV test at these following locations:

If you test HIV positive, Medical Case Management Services is available by calling: 735-3603. Life-saving drugs and treatment are accessible and available. Additional information may be found on the Prutehi Hao website: prutehihao.guam.gov or Facebook page: facebook.com/prutehihao or www.galaguam.org

Emergency Services Only will be covered for Medicaid and MIP beneficiaries at Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC)

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) advises all Guam Medicaid and Medically Indigent Program (MIP) beneficiaries that “Only Emergency Services” will be covered at the Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) effective December 1, 2016.

For more information, please contact the Bureau of Health Care Financing, Division of Public Welfare at 735-7293 or 735-7470.

The Division of Environmental Health of the Department of Public Health and Social Services would like to provide an update to the recall of the Sabra Dipping Company, LLC, hummus products that have been potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

On November 23, 2016, as indicated on Press Release 2017-011, the Division of Environmental Health had determined that the following affected Sabra hummus products were sold at Cost-U-Less locations in Tamuning and Dededo:

UPC SKU Item

040822011143 300067 Sabra Hummus Classic 10 oz.

040822011242 300095 Sabra Hummus Garlic 10 oz.

040822011549 300143 Sabra Hummus Red Pepper 10 oz.

All affected products were removed from store shelves and destroyed.

As of November 25, 2016, the Division of Environmental Health has learned that the implicated products were also sold in Pay-Less Supermarkets at their Oka Tamuning and Yigo locations. The affected products were removed from store shelves and destroyed.

Affected products carried at Pay-Less Supermarkets in Oka Tamuning:

UPC SKU Item

040822014731 300166 Sabra Hummus Sun Dried Tomato 10 oz.

040822011143 300067 Sabra Hummus Classic 10 oz.

040822011952 300080 Sabra Hummus Classic with pretzels 4.56 oz

040822011242 300095 Sabra Hummus Garlic 10 oz.

040822011341 300117 Sabra Hummus Olive 10 oz.

040822011747 300132 Sabra Hummus Pine Nut 10 oz.

Affected products carried at Pay-Less Supermarkets in Yigo:

UPC SKU Item

040822011242 300095 Sabra Hummus Garlic 10 oz.

040822011341 300117 Sabra Hummus Olive 10 oz.

040822011747 300132 Sabra Hummus Pine Nut 10 oz.

040822011952 300080 Sabra Hummus Classic with pretzels 4.56 oz

The implicated hummus products are being recalled due to concerns over Listeria monocytogenes, which was identified at the manufacturing facility but not in tested finished product. The company is issuing this recall out of an abundance of caution.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Consumers with any recalled product with a “Best Before” date up through January 23, 2017 are urged to not consume it. Consumers can find the code and “Best Before” date on the lid of each package. The recall includes the following products listed below.

The affected hummus products were distributed to retail outlets nationwide. No other Sabra products are impacted.

The Department has not received any local report of injuries or illnesses associated with the consumption of these recalled commodities. Consumers who have purchased the items listed above are urged to return it to the place of purchase, or obtain a full refund or replacement by contacting Sabra Dipping Company’s Consumer Relations Center by either calling their number at 1-866-265-6761 or visiting their website at http://www.sabrahummusrecall.com/.

For any questions, please contact the Consumer Commodities Program at the Division of Environmental Health at 735-7221.

Reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses for your family and friends during the holiday season. The Division of Environmental Health of the Department of Public Health and Social Services is offering the following safe food handling behaviors to follow this holiday season for cooking a delicious and safely prepared meal.

Clean

Remember to wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before and after handling food, before and after handling raw meat and poultry, after touching dirty kitchen equipment, utensils, dishes or work surfaces and when hands are visibly dirty. Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of foodborne illness. Wash all kitchen utensils, dishes, and countertops with hot water and soap.

Separate

Use one cutting board for raw meat, poultry, and seafood, and a separate one for fresh produce. Keep fish and seafood, raw turkey, roasts, hams, and other meats and their juices separate from other side dishes when preparing meals.

Chill food promptly. Keep the fridge at 41°F or below to prevent bacteria from growing. Custard pies and other egg dishes should always be kept cool. Put leftovers in the refrigerator within two (2) hours. Remember to never defrost food at room temperature.

The Department of Public Health and Social Services, in coordination with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, would like to inform the public of a voluntary recall involving various Sabra Dipping Company, LLC, hummus products because of a possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination and the potential for adverse health effects.

The affected hummus products are being recalled due to concerns over Listeria monocytogenes, which was identified at the manufacturing facility but not in tested finished product. The company is issuing this recall out of an abundance of caution.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Consumers with any product with a “Best Before” date up through January 23, 2017 are urged to not consume it. Consumers can find the code and “Best Before” date on the lid of each package. The recall includes the following products listed below.

The affected hummus products were distributed to retail outlets nationwide. No other Sabra products are impacted.

To date, the Division of Environmental Health has determined that affected Sabra Hummus Classic (UPC# 040822011143), Sabra Hummus Roasted Garlic (UPC# 040822011242), and Sabra Hummus Red Pepper (UPC# 040822011549) were sold at Cost-U-Less locations in Tamuning and Dededo. All affected products were removed from store shelves and destroyed.

The Department has not received any local report of injuries or illnesses associated with the consumption of these recalled commodities. Consumers who have purchased the items listed above are urged to return it to the place of purchase or have the option of obtaining a full refund or replacement by contacting Sabra Dipping Company’s Consumer Relations Center by either calling their number at 1-866-265-6761 or visiting their website at http://www.sabrahummusrecall.com/.

For any questions, please contact the Consumer Commodities Program at the Division of Environmental Health at 735-7221.